Pharmacotherapy of constipation in children

Constipation is a common problem in children. It is also a long-term problem persisting for many years, and beyond adolescence in about a third of children. Approximately 95% of childhood constipation is functional in nature without any obvious cause. Treatment of functional constipation in children requires a well-designed plan and a 'team approach' involving the child, parents, and a health-care provider. Treatment involves education of the family about constipation and encopresis, fecal disimpaction, and long-term maintenance therapy of laxatives and behavioral modification. Laxatives such as magnesium hydroxide (Milk of magnesia®, Philips) lactulose, and mineral oil have been used in children for a long time. Recently a new laxative, polyethyleneglycol 3350 has been used successfully in children with constipation and encopresis. New prokinetic agents have been tried in adults with constipation and may be available for children in the future.